Osun NLC Leads Peaceful Protest Against Economic Hardship

Business activities in Osogbo, Osun State, came to a standstill on Tuesday as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliates staged a peaceful protest against the prevailing economic challenges gripping the nation. Led by Osun NLC Chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, protesters marched from Freedom Park through MDS road, chanting anti-President Bola Tinubu songs to express their grievances.

Affiliates of the NLC, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria, and Nigeria Union of Journalists, among others, joined the demonstration. As the protesters converged at Olaiya Junction, vehicular movement along Osogbo/Gbongan road was halted, and business activities in the vicinity were paralyzed for over two hours.

Security personnel from the police, Department of State Security, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were present in large numbers to maintain order during the protest. However, in other parts of the state capital, business activities continued uninterrupted.

Addressing the demonstrators, ASUU Coordinator for Akure Zone, Dr. Adeola Egbedokun, decried the hardship experienced by Nigerians and urged the Federal Government to reconsider policies negatively impacting the populace. Egbedokun emphasized the importance of sensitizing the public to the adverse effects of government policies and encouraged workers to mobilize support for protests against the rising cost of living.

In his remarks, Osun NLC Chairman, Arapasopo, called on the Federal Government to urgently address the economic challenges facing Nigerians. Expressing disappointment with unfulfilled promises, Arapasopo emphasized the need for immediate solutions to alleviate hunger and frustration among the populace.